The Jolly Heretic with Prof Edward Dutton

The Jolly Heretic with Prof Edward Dutton

Dutton's Digest

Ban Social Media? AI girlfriends are way worse than TikTok

May 27, 2026
∙ Paid

Book a call /Private Telegram group /Parallax


Wes Streeting, the former Health Secretary who is looking to challenge British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the premiership, has declared that “Social Media is the New Smoking.” Apparently, it is highly addictive (who’d have guessed that a highly pro-social and inquisitive species would become addicted to the dopamine hit of constant interaction and information?), it is particularly addictive for children, it has driven some children to suicide,and doctors regard banning it for under-16s as being as obvious for safety as using seat belts in cars.

The Jolly Heretic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Edward Dutton.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Edward Dutton · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture